Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 4
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
नि:सृतं ते मुखाम्भोजाद् यदाह भगवानज: । पुत्रेभ्यो भृगुमुख्येभ्यो देव्यै च भगवान् भव: ॥ ३ ॥ एतद् वै सर्ववर्णानामाश्रमाणां च सम्मतम् । श्रेयसामुत्तमं मन्ये स्त्रीशूद्राणां च मानद ॥ ४ ॥
niḥsṛtaṁ te mukhāmbhojād yad āha bhagavān ajaḥ putrebhyo bhṛgu-mukhyebhyo devyai ca bhagavān bhavaḥ
O most magnanimous Lord, the teachings of this method of worshiping You as the Deity first issued from Your lotus mouth. Thereafter the blessed Aja, Brahmā, spoke them to his sons headed by Bhṛgu, and Lord Śiva taught them to the goddess Pārvatī. This process is accepted and fitting for all varṇas and āśramas; therefore I deem worship of Your Arca form the highest benefit among spiritual practices, even for women and śūdras.
FAQs
In 11.27.4 Uddhava says the Lord’s teaching on worship is accepted by all varṇas and āśramas, and is especially beneficial for women and śūdras—showing bhakti practices are universally accessible.
He is establishing the authority and lineage of the teaching: it comes from Kṛṣṇa, was spoken by Brahmā to sages like Bhṛgu, and also taught by Śiva to the Goddess—confirming it as a widely honored, traditional path.
Adopt a steady, simple bhakti routine—such as offering food, chanting, and respectful worship—knowing the Bhagavatam presents devotional practice as a highest good for all people, regardless of background.